New Zealand file-sharing bill passes second reading in Parliament

The controversial bill that aims to address file sharing in New Zealand with a three-strikes regime has passed its second reading in Parliament with 111 votes for and 11 votes against.

The first version of the bill met with criticism and was subsequently amended. The most serious criticism was that internet users could be disconnected all too easily if they were found file sharing. A proposed amendment to remove account termination from the bill altogether was not adopted as the procedure to disconnect infringing users was toughened up. In the new version of the bill, termination can only occur after written order from a cabinet minister and a signed approval from the Governor General, the person representing Queen Elizabeth, who is the official head of state of New Zealand.

The law centres around a series of warning letters, send within a period of three months, after which a newly established Copyright Tribunal could fine file sharers an amount that could run up to 15.000 NZ dollars (around 8.200 euros).

Source: National Business Review